Information Needs, Preferences, and Behaviors of Home Cooks

Authors

  • Marian Knopp

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/lirg465

Keywords:

cooking, leisure activities, information behavior

Abstract

Purpose - This research aims to contribute to the analysis of the information needs, preferences, and behaviors of home cooks and how libraries can serve this user group. Methodology - This study uses a literature review for background and includes new research using online surveys. The research used 31 anonymous home cooks in the USA who describe their information needs, preferences, and behaviors when in the process of gourmet cooking. Findings - Home cooks seek recipes that meet specific needs such as quick, budget-friendly, child-friendly, special occasions, personal preference, portable, and ethnic foods. To find information, home cooks use the All Recipes, Food Network, Epicurious, or Google websites; Cooking Light, Southern Living, or Real Simple magazine subscriptions; and Barefoot Contessa, 30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray, or other Food Network channel television shows. Practical Implication - This study can serve as a guide to libraries in order to improve their services for home cook users.

Author Biography

Marian Knopp

Marian Knopp is a Master’s of Library Science graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, and is currently an Evening Librarian at Central Penn College.

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Published

2011-05-30

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 109 (2011)

Section

Research Articles

License

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